Superintendent's Summary of the Red Lake School District #38 May Board Meeting

The Red Lake School Board met at the district office on May 23rd for its regular meeting in the District Office. Superintendent Lundquist shared the following information relative to her efforts to improve achievement, attendance and graduation rates:

• A presentation was offered by Gail Netland, District Curriculum Coordinator summarizing the findings of the recent Parent Survey, which indicated almost all parents feel they and their children are welcome at school, almost all believe teachers challenge and encourage their children to learn, and the majority feel there is at least one adult who knows their child well. Areas for future growth include improved communication, a more respectful climate, and decreased bullying behaviors.

• In addition, the superintendent announced the district has been selected to provide a session on the Tribal Truancy Court Project at the upcoming National Indian Education Association's conference. The district's team will be led by Middle School Principal, Mark Bensen, and will include the School Resource Officer, a court staff member, and Home School Liaison representative.

• Reports were also included on the Parent Education Partnership Project, Family and Children's Services,

In other reports, supervisors and principals offered updates on their activities, including the following:

• The Business Manager's report indicated the second negotiations meeting has taken place with Education Minnesota, and initial meetings are scheduled to begin with the other associations in the coming weeks. Mr. Larson also stated he completed the required criteria for certification in the Minnesota Association of school Business Officials Certification Program.

• The Food Service Coordinator reported participation rates are up slightly in all schools except RLES where participation rates are down slightly. Ms. Lange also reported that she is working with Region I to install an online application form for Free and Reduced Lunch applications, which should be up and running by August.

• The RLES and ECC monthly report indicated third grade safety camp, which included the collaborative efforts of numerous agencies including RL DNR, Comp Health Services, Law Enforcement, Indian Health Services, Family and Children's Services, and others, was hosted on May 11th was a success. This activity engaged students in numerous activities that highlighted safe behaviors.

• The Ponemah Pow Wow, hosted at the Ponemah School on May 19th, was a huge success. The new superintendent, Melinda Crowley attend for part of the day with Superintendent Lundquist. On May 25th a limousine is set to arrive at the school to pick-up students who have qualified as Accelerated Reading Millionaires. Students will tour the community and have a nice meal at the Seven Clans Casino before returning to school for the afternoon.

• The Secondary Complex report indicated that of the 23 seniors who have applied for college, 16 have been accepted. The Tribal Truancy Court Project is preparing to wrap-up for the year, following a year-end meeting in which suggested changes were brought forth to further improve this successful program. There are currently 12 Pose-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) students attending Red Lake nation College at this time. At the Middle School, 18 students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, and all students were invited to take part in the annual Hope Ceremony, which honors their achievements in MS, and acknowledges the beginning of their successful completion of HS.

• The Assistant Superintendent for Supplemental Services report indicated staffing plans for the upcoming school are in the process of being finalized, with only one position yet to be filled. Mr. Hinckley also reported changes are underway to implement a grade 4-8 level three Emotional and Behavioral Disability classroom in the MS. In addition, plans for the implementation of more inclusionary models are underway, which enable students with disabilities to receive a greater percentage of their programs in the general education setting.

• The Human Resource Coordinator's report indicated the Staff Automated Report (STAR), which is used by MDE to track employment assignments and licensures, has been completed and approved.

• The Community Education Coordinator's summarized numerous summer activities for students, including softball, baseball, running club, basketball clinics, weight room training, boxing, and parent education classes.

• The Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Team (CIA) report indicated Instructional Rounds, which is a teacher coaching model, is being utilized by an increasing number of professionals. This approach allows teachers to visit neighboring teachers' classrooms, observe practices, and process their findings in collegial conversations which leads to improved practice.

• The Director for Facilities and Safety reported the boulders are in place to protect the running track at RLES/ECC from being vandalized. In addition, Mr. Borg indicated that the Chairman agreed to trade the parcel of land where the housing department is located for vacant land near the softball fields. He also stated Youth Works is scheduled to offer support in the community this summer.

In other business the Board acted on a consent agenda to hire/release numerous individuals and approved the purchase of social studies curriculum for students in grades 6-8.

This Board meeting was also the last Superintendent Lundquist would be participating in, as she leaves in mid-June for her new job.